Open Doors Data

Special Reports: Economic Impact of International Students

In 2014, the continued growth in international students coming to the U.S. for higher education had a significant positive economic impact on the United States. International students contributed more than $27 billion to the U.S. economy, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Open Doors 2014 reports that about 74 percent of all international students receive the majority of their funds from sources outside of the United States, including personal and family sources as well as assistance from their home country governments or universities. Students from around the world who study in the United States also contribute to America's scientific and technical research and bring international perspectives into U.S. classrooms, helping prepare American undergraduates for global careers, and often lead to longer-term business relationships and economic benefits. Additional breakdowns of economic impact by state and Congressional District, calculated using Open Doors enrollment figures, are available on the NAFSA International Student Economic Value Tool website.